Hallmark movies are happily-ever-after viewing
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This article was published 05/02/2021 (847 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Countdown to Christmas, Hallmark Channel’s series of seasonal romantic movies (also featured on the W Network), is over for another year.
So, what’s a romance movie fan to do for the next 10 months?
Never fear, Winterfest has just finished and Love Ever After movies began on Feb. 6, featuring Valentine’s Day themes. There is a new movie shown each Saturday and past favourites are repeated throughout the week.
Some would say they’re all the same but fans would disagree. There is, however, a basic formula – A main character is single; he or she is put in a situation in which they meet someone new; as events unfold they are drawn together and love interest blooms, but then there is what I call “the interruption,” an event or circumstance which could doom the relationship, such as a career opportunity the character has always wanted but alas, it’s in another city. Naturally, things are resolved and indeed they are meant to be together.
Many Hallmark Channel movies have been filmed in Manitoba so it’s fun to spot the landmarks. For example, in the Winterfest movie Snowkissed, I recognized Pine Ridge Hollow and the Fort Garry Hotel.
In spring 2019, I was walking on McDermot Avenue toward Warehouse Artworks when I noticed what looked to be a hotdog cart decked out in Christmas décor. I looked to my right and there was Andrew Walker (a very popular Hallmark actor and one of my favorites) and Jodie Sweetin. I was too polite to get out my phone to take a picture but I did do a double take like a fan would. They were filming Merry & Bright.
The advantage of filming in Winnipeg is partly because of the provincial tax credits offered to movie producers, but also due to the selection of older buildings in the Exchange District that can stand in for buildings in other cities, and our close location to country views if needed.
What is the appeal of these movies that makes them so popular?
For sure it’s the guaranteed happy ending. They are a nice reprieve from other movie genres as there is no swearing, violence, or bits you wouldn’t want your children to see. They provide good, clean entertainment, often with just the right amount of humour, beautiful scenic backdrops, and romance, of course. They are something to look forward to on a Saturday night, especially while our entertainment venues are closed.
So, tune in and watch the Love Ever After movies and, remember, there’s only eight months until the next set of Christmas movies begin.
Suzanne Hunter is a community correspondent for Transcona.